12 decks that rise above it all

During the lazy days of summer, just give me a deck, a lounge chair, a cool drink and an umbrella, and I’m good to go. Lately, though, I’ve been considering upgrading my deck desires. Maybe it’s time to move up, to have an outdoor space above the ground floor where it’s quieter, more private and more restful. What about a perch off the bedroom or a rooftop aerie with a view? These pictures inspired me. See if you’re ready to make the move, too.

This deck [at the top of this post] is tucked into the second floor of a modern house in Ontario overlooking the tidy rows of a vineyard. The intriguing mix of textures includes an exterior wall of quartzite ledgestone veneer, a cedar plank ceiling and acacia flooring (from Ikea!). Bright green cushions add a spritz of color and match the verdant surroundings.

With its endless ocean views and lineup of lounges, this deck is the perfect topper for a Cape Cod summer house. Like the driftwood on the nearby beaches, this ipe flooring is untreated, so it will weather beautifully in the sun. The railing is made of cedar with lengths of stainless steel cable by Feeney.

This luxe mahogany deck tops a brick row house in Brookline, Massachusetts. The perimeter trellis is designed to frame the sky and treetop views, “neatly defining an open living space while maintaining intimacy,” as the architects put it. The snazzy cylindrical light fixtures are from Cooper Lighting (Lumière Westwood 912-2).

This bedside deck, perched above the trees, has gorgeous views of Lake Wenatchee in Washington state. The deck has a waterproof membrane below. To avoid water damage, “the most important thing is that the membrane is sloped, detailed and installed correctly,” counsel the architects. The floor-to-ceiling windows and doors are from Sierra Pacific.

In this midcentury modern house, a NanaWall door system opens up the master bedroom to the petite outdoor patio. Other design pluses: a pair of Bertoia Diamond Chairs and cone-shaped planters that anchor the surrounding wall.

This rooftop getaway really serves as an outdoor room, with its cushioned built-in couch, coffee table and vintage butterfly chairs. The ornamental metal railing is a nice touch, as is the ipe wood floor, laid in alternating squares.